Niger Delta

Take Security, Sanitation Seriously, Okowa Tells LG Chairmen

Published

7 years ago

September 3, 2018

The Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa Tells has told local government council chairmen in the state to take the issue of environmental sanitation and security of lives seriously in their respective areas.
Declaring open a two-day orientation workshop for chairmen and vice chairmen of the 25 local government councils in the state, Okowa said; “I wish to use this medium to advice that you (chairmen and vice-chairmen of local government councils) take sanitation seriously; you should endeavour to be timely in the evacuation of refuse.
“As we move towards the election season, you should take issues of security seriously; so, liaise and collaborate with security agencies for effective coverage. As you are no doubt aware, the local government council is the third tier of government in Nigeria, it is very strategic in our political structure, because it is the closest administrative unit to our people at the grassroots.
“Since you are closest to the people, it is expected that you should know the most basic needs of the people and be in a position to promote their development and welfare, because, the expectations of the people are high in view of the development needs of our various communities; you should therefore be committed at all times to see that the dividend of democracy is delivered to them within the limit of available resources.”
Noting that the workshop, which had as its theme: “Strengthening Grassroots Administration to Achieve the SMART Agenda” would strengthen the chairmen and their deputies to focus on effective management of contemporary local government administration, Okowa said “the watchword is prudent allocation of limited resources among competing alternatives, and I must remind you that a call to public office of this magnitude is a call to service; it is a golden opportunity that you cannot afford to misuse; you should endeavour to prove to your people that they have not made a wrong choice for electing you.
“The lessons, values and knowledge gained in this workshop should be deployed into practice, because, training and re-training of officers is a capacity building mechanism to equip you for efficient service delivery.
“Such training will lead to excellent performance in the discharge of your duties in the respective local government councils in the state”.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.